Senior Savvy: Help when elder lives alone

Tuesday

May 26, 2009 at 12:01 AMMay 26, 2009 at 10:09 AM

Q: My father lives on his Social Security check each month and money is very tight for him. He is getting older and I worry about him being home by himself. Is there any reduced or free help for Philips Lifeline? I understand Philips Lifeline can summon help immediately if my father should fall.

Linda Sullivan and Debbie Gitner

Q: My father lives on his Social Security check each month and money is very tight for him. He is getting older and I worry about him being home by himself. Is there any reduced or free help for Philips Lifeline? I understand Philips Lifeline can summon help immediately if my father should fall.

A: Yes, a senior who is eligible for certain health benefits can receive Philips Lifeline at no cost. Philips Lifeline provides a telephone-based emergency dispatch system with the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The system immediately alerts the Philips Lifeline Response Center when the button is pushed.

The system includes amplification allowing anyone in another room able to speak at normal tone to be heard through the system. The response center talks with the subscriber and, depending upon the subscriber's needs, then contacts emergency services such as an ambulance, police or fire department, and alerts an identified contact person - for example, you or another family member.

There is a general prescription form detailing the criteria a subscriber must meet in order to qualify for free service. This form needs to be completed and signed by the physician and returned to Philips Lifeline. The form is reviewed by Philips Lifeline and, if approved, Philips Lifeline can be installed.

For seniors who do not qualify, there is an installation charge and monthly fee. Call Philips Lifeline at 800-543-3546 or contact Carol Potter who can provide additional information about Philips Lifeline at 888-663-3688, ext. 5459.

Q: My mother continues to have frequent urinary tract infections. I can now tell when she has an infection because her mood changes; she will tell me someone was in her house and stole her belongings. Is there anything that can be done to prevent the urinary tract infections?

A: First, speak with the primary-care physician reminding the physician about the frequency of these urinary tract infections. The physician should have information in your mother's chart with dates of infections and dates when antibiotics were prescribed.

Then, consider making an appointment with a urologist for a work-up. There may be a reason for the frequent infections that can be resolved easily. Some physicians will prescribe an antibiotic prophylactically to prevent urinary tract infections.

Also, discuss with your mother's physician or urologist the use of cranberry juice or cranberry tablets. Cranberry juice or tablets have shown effects of reducing urinary tract infections.

Q: My mother calls me several times a day to talk to me. She will call me at work, at home and on my cell phone. If she does not find me she becomes anxious; I can hear it in her voice. How can I reduce the calls during the day and why is she doing this?

A: Keep reminding your mother that personal calls are limited at work. Leave a note near the telephone about better times to call. It is possible that your mother has too much free time on her hands. She may watch television, lose track of time and think she has not spoken to you in awhile.

Consider talking with your mother about what she can do during the day to occupy more of her time. Update the primary care physician about your mother's anxiety, mood and memory.

ElderCare Resource Services is a partnership of geriatric nurses and social workers that helps families to investigate, assess and recommend medical and non-medical care and resources for seniors. Send questions to SeniorSavvy@ElderCareResourceServices.com or ElderCare Resources Inc., 29 Gano Road, Marlborough, MA 01752, or call them at 508-879-7008.

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